Best Cocktails 2008

Dude: A Beer Chaser Is Not a Cocktail.

1Rio Chama414 Old Santa Fe Trail505-955-0765Rio Chama is a steakhouse and it makes a damn fine steak. But it’s known for its dark and cozy bar, which has become an essential gathering place for local power players, as well as thirsty folks who just like a stiff drink. Although not as well-known as Maria’s, the margaritas here are excellent, made with an in-house sweet-and-sour that’s made with fresh lime juice. When somebody else is paying, we like the $35 Paradise Margarita, made with El Tesoro Paradiso and Grand Marnier Cuvee du Centenaire. When somebody else is driving, too, we like to sip some samples from the carefully chosen tequila menu. But enough about margaritas, the martinis at Rio Chama are perhaps even better. We’re particularly fond of the Green-Tea-ni, made with the curiously delicious Charbay green tea vodka and honey.